Constant changes in equipment, gluing methods, and training
methods have had a large effect on the evolution of styles
within our sport. The decade of the nineties has seen the
decline of two styles, the passive chopper and the passive
half-distance topspin player. In their place, a stronger more
balanced attacking style has emerged, the All-Round Attacker.
This can be seen in both shakehands and penholder versions, with
the penholder version incorporating the new reverse penholder
backhand loop technique. Recently, the switch to the 40mm ball
has changed both stroke techniques and tactics; and even now,
playing styles are evolving quickly to take full advantage of
the new ball's playing characteristics. Table Tennis is an
ever-evolving sport that requires both coaches and players to
constantly update their knowledge.

The purpose of this article is to examine the eight styles
currently in use at the World Class Level. If you are uncertain
of your style or wish to better identify which style is best for
you, then please read What Style Should
You Play. These styles include:

This series of
articles will provide you with the strengths and weaknesses of
each style, along with some suggested robot drills to help you
develop your game. In reading the descriptions you may find
that your personal style will have attributes from more than
one. However, you should be able to recognize your dominant
style ("A"style) and your secondary style
("B"style). Each article will also give you some
suggestions on tactics to use against the other styles of
play. Hopefully the style descriptions will serve as a guide
in analyzing your own.

Close-To-The-Table
Defender

Description:

This style is built around a chop/block executed from close to the table. Players of this style most often use combination rackets with long-pips or anti-spin on one side and inverted rubber on the other. Players of this style use underspin blocks to force weak topspin shots from their opponents. They will then attack the weak topspin with a well-placed drive or loop. This style is often the master of placement but lacks real finishing power.

Strengths:

Very
consistent close-to-the-table chop/blocks.

Excellent serve and receive game.

Very
accurate forehand drives.

Excellent short game using pushes and drop
shots.

The
ability to absorb their opponent’s strong opening
shots.

Often
use the speed and spin of oncoming shots to make their
returns stronger.

Against the Attacker  Pips-Out Penholder:
Keep most of your serves short. Press backhand to backhand
exchanges. Do not over hit. When attacking, go most often
down-the-line. Extend the points as long as
possible.

Against the Attacker  Pips-Out Shakehands:
Same general tactics as above. However, direct more balls at
your opponent’s middle.

Against the Attacke  Inverted Looper:
When serving, keep most serves short and try to follow with
a safe 3rd ball attacks. Then vary your blocks until your
opponent makes an error. When receiving mix up your returns
between drops, flips, and long pushes. If you push long cut
the sidelines of the table to force your opponent to
move.

Against the Attacker All-Round: Against this
style, you will need to attack more often. However
placement, not speed or spin, will force errors from your
opponent.

Against the Counter Driver: Against this style,
you must be very steady in your play. Also, slow down the
tempo of your blocks below the speed the counter driver
enjoys. When you get an opportunity to attack, a kill is
preferred over a loop.

Against the Mid-Distance Aggressive Looper: Keep
your serves short. Block fast and wide to the forehand. When
your opponent backs up to loop, drop short, then attack if
possible. Use a combination of deep and short blocks to keep
the mid-distance looper moving in and out. Attack down the
line when possible.

Against the Attacking Chopper: Similar tactics to
playing a counter driver. Play steady, moving the chopper in
and out, as well as side-to-side. Kill any loose
returns.